India's 4G smartphone market poised for modest recovery in 2026

India's 4G smartphone market is staging a recovery as manufacturers and consumers recalibrate their strategies following last year's significant downturn. According to Counterpoint Research, shipments are projected to expand 3 per cent in 2026, a turnaround from the 48 per cent decline recorded in 2025, with 4G devices reclaiming a larger share of India's overall smartphone market.

The segment's resurgence is underpinned by economics. Rising component costs have widened the price gap between 4G and 5G devices, making premium fifth-generation smartphones increasingly expensive for price-conscious consumers. This gap is particularly pronounced in India's entry-level and budget segments, where consumers purchasing devices below Rs 10,000 and between Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 are discovering that 4G smartphones offer superior specifications and value propositions at lower price points.

Market share data reflects this shift. 4G devices are expected to grow from an 11 per cent share of India's smartphone market in 2025 to 13 per cent in 2026, with further expansion projected to 15 per cent by 2027. The expansion signals a recalibration in India's smartphone market, where affordability and performance remain key drivers of consumer choice, even as 5G adoption accelerates in premium segments.

Original equipment manufacturers are responding to these market dynamics by expanding their 4G product portfolios, recognizing the sustained demand among India's cost-conscious consumer base. The trend underscores the continuing importance of mid-range and budget devices in India's smartphone ecosystem, despite the industry's broader push toward next-generation connectivity.